World markets for grains and oilseeds

NOPA data in the U.S. showed a record and better-than-expected October increase in member crushes at 199.96 mbu, well above the 196.84 mbu estimate and 5.37% above October 2023 levels. Soybean oil inventories as of Oct. 31 were 1.069 billion pounds, below estimates and down 2.8% from a year ago at that point. Benchmark rates for soybeans shipped by barge to U.S. Gulf Coast terminals firmed Friday, driven by exporter demand for quick shipments and a slowdown in farmer sales this week. Increased rainfall this month has raised water levels in the Mississippi River, speeding the movement of grain barges toward the Gulf and allowing more cargo to be carried on fewer barges. “The river is in good shape,” said one mid-Mississippi River grain trader. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported weekly soybean sales of 1.555 million tons, in line with expectations but down 24% from the previous week and the average for the previous four weeks. Weekly Commitment of Traders data showed that ...